Inspiration on Demand

Engage in creativitiy

One of the challenges that comes up for many songwriters and writers is inspiration, and keeping motivated.  When you're not involved in an ongoing class or writer's circle, it's often difficult to make time for your art, even when that's your passion.

It's so easy to let the everyday stuff of living get in the way of your creativity. Sometimes when you're done with your day, it's the last thing you feel like doing. I think most of us would agree, though, if we just start working on a song, or play an instrument, or listen or dance to music, the time flies and the music works as wonderful therapy. We de-stress, forget the concerns of the day, immerse ourselves in right brain activity, and feel great. It's a fantastic way to end the day.

I suggest setting aside an hour or two once a week to do music, even when you don't feel like it. Put it on the calendar, and commit to that time. It's rewarding time for yourself, and you'll feel better when you make that an ongoing "date" with yourself. Also, during your work day, take 15 minutes to work on lyrics, music, or a song you'd like to share. It will free your mind, and you'll return to work more open, more productive, and able to "think outside the box," Take a moment to be inspired by the beauty of nature around you, by the sounds of life happening right where you are.

It's easy to let our passions assume a place of lowest priority in our lives; but when this happens we suffer. We feel out of balance, unfulfilled and resentful. Take time, make time, to indulge in those activities that you love, that bring you joy and peace; that make you feel good about yourself. Instead of thinking about music or art as a "hobby" that you do when you have time once in awhile, think of your art as being the driving force in your life! Only you can give it that place of importance in your schedule. It's not a hobby, it's your life blood; it's what makes you a creative, vibrant, artistic human being! Don't diminish the importance of your artistic outlets. Your creative spirit, your playful spirit is always there, tapping on your shoulder, reminding you to come out and play.

We all have responsibilities, but don't let those responsibilities rob you of the joy of expression through music and art that makes you who you are. We communicate through art, it is part of our collective psyche as human beings. Take time to express yourself! You will feel so much better, so free, so open when you integrate your creative spirit back into your life!

Helen Keller on Optimism

The path of our lives is not so much determined by what ‘happens’ to us, because life does ‘happen’ – but how we react to the things that ‘happen’ to us in life.  Are you choosing to be a Victim or a Victor?  A successful business person, or someone who complains about a lack of business?  Are you someone who gives value, or simply tries to ‘get’ business?

Helen Keller - Beautiful inside and out!

This article from Helen Keller is a favorite of mine because it speaks about a positive attitude; gratitude, and the perception of good in everything around her.  What a remarkable woman!  At Viva La Voice, we are committed to bringing out the positive in singers, speakers and everyday people who seek a more confident, fulfilled life.

Helen Keller - Optimism

“My optimism rests on a glad belief in the preponderance of good and a willing effort always to cooperate with the good, that it may prevail. I try to increase the power God has given me to see the best in everything and every one, and make that best a part of my life. The world is sown with good; but unless I turn my glad thoughts into practical living and till my own field, I cannot reap a kernel of the good.

Thus my optimism is grounded in two worlds, myself and what is about me. I demand that the world be good, and lo, it obeys. I proclaim the world good, and facts rearrange themselves to prove my proclamation overwhelmingly true. To what is good I open the doors of my being, and jealously shut them against what is bad. Such is the force of this beautiful and willful conviction, it carries itself in the face of all opposition. I am never discouraged by absence of good. I never can be argued into hopelessness. Doubt and mistrust are the mere panic of timid imagination, which the steadfast heart will conquer, and the large mind transcend.

I trust, and nothing that happens disturbs my trust. I recognize the beneficence of the power which we all worship as supreme—Order, Fate, the Great Spirit, Nature, God. I recognize this power in the sun that makes all things grow and keeps life afoot, I make a friend of this indefinable force, and straightway I feel glad, brave and ready for any lot Heaven may decree for me. This is my religion of optimism.” From “Optimism” by Helen Keller, introduction by Carl Japikse.

Featured Article in Muse's Muse - Songwriters

Muse's Muse 'Featured' my article 'The Importance of Being Real' in this month's Muse's News!  http://www.musesmuse.com/col-vivalavoice-beingreal.html

Living On In Your Music - The Passing of a Friend

I'm very sad to tell you that my friend, Phyllis Molinary (lyricist for 'Here's To Life") died today due to complications with emphysema in Los Angeles. She was such a great lyricist who always knew her craft. I lived with her when we both came to Las Vegas in 1989, and she has remained a friend and fellow artist through the years.

I am sad today because Phyllis represents so many writers/musicians who spend their whole lives working at their craft, out of love, but may never really see monetary gains from all their efforts. There are so many talented people out there who never get the recognition they deserve, and it always amazes me that we artists will go through hell and back; endure relentless rejection; and see others profit from our efforts; and still we remain true to our Artist's Path.

So it is with love and respect that I say goodbye to my talented friend Phyllis, knowing that her hard work, dedication, and love for her music will live on in the lyrics she leaves behind.

Set Personal Policies!

What I used to call 'personal boundaries' I now refer to as 'policies'. Do you have policies in place for your business, as well as your relationships, family, friends AND yourself? Policies help you keep on track. They help you say 'no' without feeling guilty. Create policies to remind yourself that some things are 'non negotiable'. Personal policies allow others to be responsible for their own happiness!

Music Business - Lessons In Life

Being a musician has helped me develop 'gracious acceptance' - rejection still hurts but I understand it now, and realize that it's not personal, it just IS. Being adaptable, being optimistic against all odds, being able to get back up and dust myself off are all hard lessons I've learned from the music business - but lessons necessary for life. Nothing ever stays the same; our path is ever winding and weaving, taking us to places we never dreamed we'd go. The sooner we release our hold on 'how it should be' and just let it be, the easier our path becomes. Our dreams are like a beacon on that path, and once we stop dreaming, the world becomes a very dark place. To dream is to live fully!!


This blog was inspired by a blog entry from fellow musician and co-composer, Richard Souther.

Spring Is The Time To Sing!

Spring Is The Time To Sing!

©2006 Beth Lawrence

Robins are singing, the daffodils have emerged; Spring is a time for new beginnings! When people hear me in concert, or find out that I'm a voice coach, I'm always amazed at how many of them tell me "I've always wanted to sing." They usually say it in a rather wistful way, as though it's a dream that's totally out of reach for them. I always respond, "Then why don't you?", to which invariably, they say 'oh, no! I can't sing!'

Why do we so stubbornly defend our false beliefs and limitations? If you'd love to sing; if you harbor that secret desire to belt out a tune or be the next American Idol; or just want the courage to sing 'Happy Birthday' without embarrassment, I'm here to tell you that YOU CAN! And there's no better time than right now, to begin.

Everyone can sing! You were born singing! Along the way, though, someone told you that you couldn't, and that became your belief system. Spring is the time when all things come back to life. Even dusty, forgotten dreams can be born again. So do something wonderful for yourself - take a few voice lessons! You'll see it's not as scary as you thought, and it will give you worlds of self-confidence. I offer both group and private voice mentoring and I find that most people are so anxious about singing in front of me initially that we spend lots of time working on that inner critic that demands vocal perfection. My goal is to help my clients sing from their hearts, not their heads! Singing is all about raising your voice in joy; not worrying about how good you sound, but how good you FEEL when you're sharing your music.

If you yearn to sing, then DO IT! You will feel great and you'll feel proud of yourself for taking a risk and emerging a stronger, more confident songster! I love to help people find their voices, and now is a great time to take that step of self-discovery and self-love. Sing because you've always wanted to. What better reason is there? And if you're a bit shy, then take a few lessons (study with someone whose method is based in Bel Canto) so that you gain skills that will give you confidence in your voice.

Spring is the time to start something new; something that's going to feed your soul and bring a bounce to your step! Singing has incredible physical and emotional benefits, and it's a great way to meet new friends! My unclejust started singing at age 83, and it has changed his life! He sings every Thursday night in Los Olivos, California, and just loves it! And his audience loves it, too! How fantastic that he took the initiative to take singing lessons at the local community college, then had the guts to get up and put himself on the line. And you know what??? This is now his PASSION! He lives and breathes it. I am so proud of him, and wish everyone would have the courage to open up and sing! My uncle Dick is 83 and singing every week in public; what's your excuse?!

If there’s something you want to do in life, now is the moment. The Universe wants to roll out the red carpet and let your heart's desire come out to play! Open up and let your lifesong break free. Spring is the time to sing!!

Beth’s ‘Joyful Singing!’ class starts April 12th in Salt Lake City, UT. For more information: http://vivalavoice.com

©2006 Beth Lawrence is a Veteran Diva, singer/songwriter/producer and the Owner of Viva La Voice, a conscious music company dedicated to inspiring confidence in the everyday artist, re-entry singer, and creative bon-vivant who wants to live life fully and fearlessly.

She is the author of “The Seven Principles for Vocal Mastery' , which teaches a holistic approach to ‘giving voice to your inner Hero’, honoring the connection of body, mind and spirit. For over 25 years, she has been helping people all over the Globe rediscover the joy of singing, performing, and living their Big Dream. Beth loves developing the brilliance in others!

Beth has won awards from Billboard, Parents, and L.A. Jazz Scene Magazine; the American Song Festival; and was awarded an ‘Outstanding Women In Business’ Grant from Zions Bank. To learn more: http://www.VivaLaVoice.com

On Change - "The Intertidal Years"

One thing is certain -change.  Here are some words of wisdom from Dominique Browning, former editor of House and Garden magazine:


"One adventure is over; it is time for another. I have a different kind of work to do now. I am growing into a new season. At the water’s edge, watching the tiny, teeming life of that mysterious place between high and low tides, the intertidal zone, I begin to accept the relentless flux that is the condition of these days. I am not old and not young; not bethrothed and not alone; not broken and yet not quite whole; thinking back, looking forward. But present. These are my intertidal years."

Joyful Singing Finale!

Our six week Joyful Singing series ended with a fantastic finale!  We did our 'Mock Carnegie Hall' concert to an appreciative audience of pianos (afterall class was held in a piano lab!).  And since I had urged the students to imagine a full house, it was easy for them to imagine a rousing standing ovation from their imaginary fans!

The great thing about this class, and the incredibly gratifying thing for me, as the teacher, was seeing the growth in confidence that this group experienced!  For the first few weeks of class, mine was the only voice I heard as I sang along to encourage them.  But after 6 weeks, they were singing with style and verve, and didn't need my help at all!  It was neat to see all those animated, smiling faces as I 'directed' our repertoire for our final night.  Not only were they smiling because they loved singing, they were smiling because they had overcome their fear and were able to move on with their lives, rich with a new passion that they had just re-discovered.

Most of these folks were 're-entry' singers - adults who had sung when they were young, then either put it away while they lived their lives, or stopped singing because of some public embarrassment they had experienced which caused them to shut down their voice and never sing again.  Finding the courage to even come to the first class is a testament to all of them who wanted to rekindle a relationship with singing - something they had loved, but had lost.

If singing is something that you used to do (and we all used to sing just for the fun of it when we didn't care if we were 'good' or 'bad') and would like to do again, then take a group singing class where you can not only learn some basic singing skills, but discover how fun it is to raise your voice with others.  There is a healing power in singing that is  magnified when there are many voices.  It is in our cultural heritage to sing together in joy, in sadness, in celebration of life.  To shut this voice down is to cut oneself off from our cultural community, and deny ourselves the true joy of singing.

Don't let fear keep you from joining others in song because you don't feel 'good enough'.  The only person who will be judging you is your self, and if you are in a class that can teach you new singing skills, you will improve as well as gain confidence in your singing voice.  My philosophy is the 'everyone can sing!'; but you can also learn to sing 'better' which will help you feel more secure when singing in a group, or singing solo.  So don't hesitate to get back into singing!  It will not only improve your health, it will make you feel proud of yourself for taking a risk, and confident in your ability to sing in any situation.

The Singer As a Harmonious Entity!

As you take the stage to share your music, you’ll find that you must operate as a harmonious entity, with your voice reflecting your music; your body movement reflecting your emotions; and your mind clearly present in the moment, reflecting your authentic connection to your audience.

Is Your Ideal Self Taking Center Stage?

Your 'Ideal Self' is that confident, compassionate, fearless, open person that resides silently inside of you.  It is your 'Best Self'.  When you sing or speak in public, is it your 'little me' or your 'Ideal Self' that takes center stage?

Please join me for my workshop 'Conquer Stage Fear Forever!' where you'll learn to act from the 'Ideal Self'.

Where Are You Focusing?

 One of the questions I'll be asking the participants of my March 6 "Conquer Stage Fear Workshop" in Salt Lake City is: "When you take the stage, are you focusing on your perceived inadequacy, or on your authentic connection to your audience?" How about YOU?

Raise Your Voices Together!

Tonight in the Joyful Singing class I'm teaching in Salt Lake City we had tons of fun!  We started out doing our breathing exercises, vocalizing, then instead of sitting apart we all 'clumped up together to sing.

It's amazing how the energy in the room changed!  All of a sudden we were a happy, supported group, not a bunch of separate entities singing alone.  On one song I had the group split in two and sing facing each other.  It was great practice for making eye contact (a fear for many performers) and further solidified the warm, fuzzy feeling in the room!

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Joyful Singing Class - laughter and tears!

First of my 'Joyful Singing!' classes last night - we had lots of laughs, and even some tears as the attendees shared their desire to sing without fear. I love empowering people to get rid of their old beliefs and sing with CONFIDENCE! It's life-changing! Class continues next Monday in Salt Lake.

3rd Grade Singing Humiliation!

In my Singing For Health class yesterday I had each student sing a solo line, then had the whole class do an appropriate exercise that would address the vocal challenge the student was having.  After class a woman came up to me and said that she had had a humiliating experience at the hand's of her 3RD GRADE choir teacher, and had never sung again until yesterday.  Unbelievable how long we carry these old hurts that hold us back from enjoying life fully!

Inspiring new Songwriters!

I'm getting excited about teaching Songwriting 101 coming up next thursday in Salt Lake! I think it's so cool when you can show folks the 'secrets' of the craft, and get them inspired to write!

Fearlessly Flaunt Your Art!

II was shocked to read today that Australian producer Bill May died today, December 31, 2009.  I composed music and lyrics for 'Marilyn, An American Fable' which Bill produced on Broadway,and he was always a great supporter and effusive cheerleader! I still tell stories about him, as he was enthusiastic, over the top and hilarious. No matter what challenges confronted us during the show, he was always positive and upbeat. It's always great to work with someone who has fierce determination and a wry wit. Bill's energy, creativity and sparkling personality will be missed.

Once again, this brings me to the realization that time is fleeting and if there's something in life you want to do, DO IT!   We don't have time to wait for someone to give us permission to show our art; perform our music in public; or write that musical we've always had in our mind.  Somehow, we've got to make it happen without fearing what someone might think.  We should be proud of our art and fearlessly flaunt it for the world to like, or not!

It's difficult for artists to believe in themselves, but until you do, no one else will!  This year, I'm choosing to do my art because I love it; without fear; without waiting for someone else to give me permission.

Time is fleeting, and the world needs to hear what we have to say, no matter what the artistic medium.

Teenager Gift Idea!

f you're wondering what to give your teenager for Christmas, try music lessons! Voice, piano....any instrument. It will give them a big self-esteem boost!

A Celtic Blessing!

From Beth Lawrence

A Celtic Blessing

May the light of your soul guide you.
May the light of your soul bless the work that you do
with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul.
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light
and renewal to those who work with you
and to those who see and receive your work.
May your work never weary you.
May it release within you wellsprings of
refreshment, inspiration and excitement.
May you be present in what you do.
May you never become lost in bland absences.
May the day never burden.
May dawn find you awake and alert,
approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises.
May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.
May your soul calm, console and renew you.

 Viva La Voice Wishes you Happy Holidays

Beyond the Mechanics of Singing

Although there are a lot of physical mechanics involved in singing, most of this mechanical theory defies science.  To be a really great singer one has to move far beyond the science of how we sing; beyond the perfecting of the physical technique; and discover the reason why we sing.  We sing to express our emotions.